ArmInfo. Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Helga Maria Schmid responded to the letter from President of the Republic Armen Sarkissian on the early return of all prisoners of war and civilians held by Azerbaijan.
The OSCE Secretary General noted that she carefully studied the issues raised by Sarkissian and presented them to the relevant OSCE bodies.
"I continue to monitor the situation and maintain contact with the Minsk Group Co-Chairs and the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, therefore, and other related issues.
I know that you also discussed these issues with the Chairperson-in-Office, Ann Linde, during her visit to Yerevan in March. The Minsk Group Co-Chairs made a statement on April 13, 2021, which also addresses the issues raised in your letter. The Co-Chairs stressed that further efforts are needed to address outstanding issues of concern and create an environment of mutual trust conducive to lasting peace.
In this context, the Co-Chairs highlighted issues related to the return of all prisoners of war and other detainees in accordance with the provisions of international humanitarian law. They, like me and other OSCE officials, will continue to monitor and raise this issue. OSCE institutions and bodies are already working closely with Armenia through planned activities in all three dimensions of the OSCE.
I hope during my tenure as OSCE Secretary General to further develop and expand this cooperation, "the letter of Helga Maria Schmid reads.